Go green this St Patrick’s Day!

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It is renowned as a celebration of Irish culture, complete with colourful parades, food, music, dancing, drinking (Guinness being a crowd favourite) and, of course, lots of green – but what is the history behind Saint Patrick Day?

St Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on 17 March, marking the anniversary of the death of Saint Patrick in the fifth century. Born in Roman Britain, Saint Patrick is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland.

In the centuries following his death, the mythology surrounding Saint Patrick’s life became ever more ingrained in the Irish culture. He often used shamrocks to explain the Holy Trinity, as he introduced Christianity to thousands across Ireland.

Today, St Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Saint Patrick, as well as the popular Irish culture.

Saint Patrick Day facts

St Patrick was not Irish. He was born to Roman parents in Roman Britain

St Patrick’s colour was traditionally blue. It was changed to green after Irish independence in the late 18th
century

Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional St Patrick’s Day dish

Irish soda bread gets its name from the use of baking soda rather than yeast as a levelling agent

And let’s not forget about the Guinness – around 11 million pints of the dark brew are served up each St Patrick’s Day in Australia, double the usual flow.

Events

North Lakes Sports Club – St Patrick’s Day: Sunday Funday

What: Enjoy St Paddy’s Day out on the Banyan Deck. You’ll be feeling extra lucky at this free event with live entertainment by Lynelle Leighton, lucky door prizes, and a pop-up bar with themed cocktails.

When: Sunday, 17 March 2019

Where: North Lakes Sports Club, 36-42 Flinders Parade

St Patrick Day Brisbane parade

What: Brisbane city’s annual Saint Patrick Day parade

When: Saturday, March 16 2019 starting at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens from 10.30am to 11.30am. Family-friendly markets kick-off at 8.00am at the Botanic Gardens, prior to the official parade.

Where: Brisbane City Botanic Gardens and CBD

Getting there from North Lakes

Buses are available from North Lakes station to the Mango Hill or Mango Hill East stations, where you can catch a train into Brisbane City (Central Station or Roma Street). There’s also the Murrumba Downs, Kallangur and Petrie stations if you live on the western side of the highway.

Best views

The Brisbane Irish Festival and Saint Patrick Day parade kicks-off at 10.30am at the City Botanic Gardens, heading along Alice Street, Mary Street and Edward Street, before finishing up back at the Gardens. As the centrepiece of Brisbane’s Irish celebrations, watch the spectacle of green that will feature colourful floats and marching bands.

Where to eat and drink

Revellers can enjoy food, drinks and music from 8.00am at the Botanic Gardens or join in the fun at one of the various local Irish pubs.